Cigar-bunching machine.



No. 672,096. Patented A' r. I6, 1901.

N. nu BRUL.

CIGAR BUNCHING MACHINE.

(Application filed Mar. 28, 1900., {No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet l.

n4: norms Pmn s on. womumm WASHINGTON u c No. 672,096. Patented Apr. l6,l90l. n. nu BBUL. CIGAR BUNGHINH MACHINE. (Application filed Mar. 28,1900.) (No Modal.) 6 Sheets-Sheat 3.

, No. 672,096. Patented Apr. I6, I91.

N. DU BRUL.

CIGAR BUNCHING MACHINE.

(Application 11124 Mar. 528, X900.: (No Model.) 6 Sheets-*Sheet 4.

Wdneafiea fiwend'or m: nomus PETERS on, Pnomurna. WASHINGTON. n. c.

No. 672,096. Patented Apr. I6, I90l. N. DU BRUL.

CIGAR BUNCHING MACHINE.

(Application filed Mar. 28, 1900.) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

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No. 672,096. Patented Apr. l6, l90l. N; DU BBUL.

CIGAR BUNOHING IACHINE.

(Application filed Mar. 28, 1900.)

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

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UNII-Eh STATES NAPOLEON DU VBRUL, or CINCINNATI, OHIO.

ClGAR-BUNCHING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letter S: Patent N 0. 672,096, dated April16, 1901.

Application filed March 28, 1900.

T0 at whom it may concern: 7

Be it known that I, NAPOLEON DU BRUL, a citizen of the United States,residing at Oincinnati, county of Hamilton, and State of Ohio, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Cigar-Bunching Machines,of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to a cigarbunch machine of thegeneral typedescribed in United States Letters Patent of Fredrick C. Miller, grantedSeptember 8, 1896, No. 567,350, and of Albert Du Brul, granted November14, 1899, No. 636,961, and which, generally speaking, comprises atobacco-hopper, a matrix-slide by which the. filler is taken from thehopper in measured quantities and presented above the rolling-table, aplunger and cooperating follower by which the filler is discharged fromthe matrix into a pocket formed by therolling-apron, levers to operatethe rolling-apron to form the bunch, a bunchcarrier into which the aprondischarges, a mold-carrier supporting a mold over which the hunch ispresented by the bunch-carrier and moving said mold intermittently tobring its several matrices successively into position to receive a bunchfrom the bunch-carrier, and a plunger for discharging the bunches fromthe bunch-carrier into the mold.

My present invention has for its objects to improve the construction ofsome of the parts of the machine above outlined, as well as to addthereto features that will improve not only the operation of themachine, but also the finished article produced thereby.

In the manufacture of cigars from out scrap more or less dust and smallparticles of tobacco are encountered in the material.

One feature of my improvement relates to means whereby each charge oftobacco as it is measured in the matrix of the sliding plate issubjected to a cleansing current .of air through it to remove the dustand finer particles therefrom. I also prefer to continue thisair-suction during the interim in which the matrix advances to dischargeits tobacco to clean the parts beneath the hopper of the dust andparticles accumulating there, and thereby improve the ease of operationof the parts and save wearand tear which have heretofore resulted fromthese gritty accumulations.

plunger.

SerialNo.10,497. \No model..

.A further feature of my present invention relates to the constructionof the bunch-carrier whereby the bunch, which has its form determined bythe matrix and apron, may be deposited at different relative positionsin the carrier, and consequently reach different relative positions inthe mold. It freq uently happens that, owing to the condition of thefiller material, the formed bunch will have too much bulk at one pointand not enough at another, so that the finished article will be tootight or too loose at some point in its length. This feature of mypresent invention affords a simple means for overcoming this difficulty,and consists in providing the carrier with an adjustable operatingconnection whereby it will be held at different positions beneath thedischarge end of the rolling-table and receive the bunch in differentrelative positions of the carrier, and consequently change the point atwhich the thick part of the bunch occurs in the mold. This constructionis preferably such that the position which the carrier assumes over themold for discharging remains constant notwithstanding any adjustment atthe other end of the carriers throw.

My invention will be fully understood upon reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in

- which Figure l is a perspective view of my improved. machine. Fig. 2is a front view of the same. Fig. 3 is a plan. Fig. 4 is an elevation ofthe side opposite to that seen in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a verticallongitudinal section through the filler-feeding mechanism. Fig. 6 is adetail view of the matrix-charging Fig. 7 is a front view of thebunchcarrier in its opposite position to that shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3,and 4:. Fig. .8 is a perspective view of the segregated parts of thebunchcarrier.

1 represents the hopper, formed with a bottom discharge-opening 2 andcontaining an agitator 3, oscillated by central shaft 4 to feed thefiller material toward the opening 2.

5 is the matrix-slide, reciprocated in the base beneath the hopperthrough links 6 connecting the slide with the lever 6, fulcrumed at 7and engaging cam 8, said slide having a matrix 9, which when the slideis moved by said lever and cam is moved from a position beneath theopening 2, where it is charged by a plunger 10, controlled through alink 11 and bell-crank lever 12 from a crankarm 13 on the shaft 4, to aprojected position at the rear of the table 15, where the charge offiller measured and shaped by said matrix is deposited into the pocket16 of apron 17 by the plunger 18 on vertically-reciprocating post 19 andcooperating follower 20, which is made to rise with the pocket toreceive the filler by means of a suitable cam.

22 is a lever that holds the rear end of the rolling-apron.

61 represents the lever that carries the bunch-roller that rolls thebunch through the medium of the apron and discharges it into the carrier23, by which it is conveyed above the m old, there to be deposited intothe moldmatrix by a plunger 24 011 the post 19. Post 19 is movedvertically by bell-crank lever 25, fulcrumed at 26 and having its pin 27engaging in cam 28.

20 is the mold-table, moved (see Fig. 4) in guide 30, step by stepthrough the ratchet 31 and elongated spring-dog 32, which is moved by ashort lever 33. The spring-dog 32 may be held out of engagement with itsratchet 31 by horn 34, carried by said spring-dog and projecting forwardbeneath the upper portion of a treadle-stop 35. (See Figs. 1 and 4.)

All of the operating-cams mentioned, as well as some others to bereferred to, are mounted upon a main shaft 36, which receives drivingpower from any suitable source through clutch 37, whosecontrolling-lever 38 is moved in opposite directions-through pedals 3940.

As thus far described the machine is substantially similar to thatdescribed in United States Letters Patent already recited, and a moredetailed description of the parts above referred to is unnecessary to anunderstanding of my present invention.

Air-suction means-As shown more clearly in Fig. 5, the base is hollowedout to provide a suction-chamber 41, the top surface of the base uponwhich the matrix-slide works being formed by a thin plate 42. The plate42, or the upper surface of the base, should it be cast with such asurface above the chamber, is perforated, as shown at 43, Figs. 3 and 5,beneath the hopper-opening 2 and the matrix when the latter is at ornear its inner limit, and through these perforations a current of air isdrawn so long as the matrix is in such position, air being preventedfrom entering the perforations from beneath the sides of the matrix bythe contact of the latter with the plate. In order to induce anair-current beneath the other parts during the advance of thematrix-slide, the plate 42 has an opening 44 in rear of the perforations43, and the rear portion of the matrix-slide is hollowed out at 45 to apoint which comes just behind the rear wall of the suction-chamber whenthe matrix-slide is drawn in, but which point passes well forward of andoverlaps the suc- (ion-chamber when the matrix-slide is forward, so thatat such time there is a suction beneath and around the matrix-slide, theair entering at 46 at the rear end of the slide. (See Fig. 5.)

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the matrix-slideoperates as a valve to determine the direction of the air-current; also,that the perforations 43 in the plate 42 or upper surface of the basepermit the escape of fine particles and dust from the charge in thematrix, but do not interfere with the filler material therein or withthe operation of the matrix-slide.

Air-suction may be induced in the chamber41 in any suitable manneras,for instance, by providing the base with a passage 48, that connects thechamber 41 with the outlet 49, leading to any suitable source ofair-suction.

The bunch-carrier 23 is mounted on asliding track 50, extending beneaththe discharge end of the table, and is reciproeated by means of a lever51, fulcrumed at 52 and having a stud 53 engaging in the groove of cam54, which cam is on the extreme front end of the main shaft 36. Lever 51works across the front of said cam, and its fulcrum 52 is in a bracket52, projecting up in front of the cam. Lever 51 is connectedto thecarrier 23 by a pitman 55, the pin 56 of which projects from a boss 57,which is secured by nut 58 in a slot 59 in the end of the lever 51. Bycomparing the relative positions of the lever and the pitman at oppositeends of their throw, Figs. 2 and 7, it will be seen that when thecarrier is beneath the discharge end of the table, or in position toreceive the bunch, the lever and pitman are approximately in line andany adjustment of their connecting-pin will change the length of theconnection with the carrier, and consequently the throw of the carrierinits return direction. By this means the position of the carrier beneaththe discharge-point, and consequently ofthe bunch in the carrier, may beregulated at will; but when the carrier is over the mold the lever andpitman are substantially at right angles, or at least the pitman runsapproximately transversely of the lever, in which position adjustment ofthe pitman effects no change, so that the outward throw of the carrierremains unchanged and the carrier always stops at the same positionrelatively to the mold and disch arging-plunger 24, whatever adjustmentmay be made in the pitman. In order that these relations of the partsmay be strictly accurate, the slot 59 is concentric with the pivotalconnection of pitman 35 to the carrier when the parts are at their outerlimit.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the bunch may beaccurately located in the carrier at will and will be correspondinglyplaced in the mold, while the carrier always comes into properdischarging position above the mold to permit the discharge-plunger todescend through it.

As shown in Fig. 8, the bunch-carrier 23 is preferably made with a jaw23*, movable on a longitudinal spindle 23", that Works in a socket 23 onthe fixed portion of said carrier, in which it is held by a removablehead 23 said jaw being rotated in a position to be held normally open bymeans of a spring 23. A stud 23 projects from the spindle 23 through anopening 23 and carries a roller 23 that runs upon a cam 5O along oneedge of the guide 50. (See Figs. 1, 2, and 7.) Said cam 50 is providedwith a depression 50 at one end, so that the roller 23 drops into saiddepression at the end of the stroke of the bunchcarrier and permits theopening of the movable jaw 23 to receive the bunch, while during thetravel of the bunch-carrier the jaw is closed to hold the bunch securelyin position and does not open again until returned to receive a newbunch.

Rear apron-holding Zeoer.As shown in Fig. 1, lever 22 is fulcrumed at 22supports the rear end of apron 17, and is moved forward and backward bydouble cam 22. The cam 22 is so timed that the forward movement takesplace to slacken the apron before the filler is deposited in the pocketand the rearward movement is madethereafter and before the bight hasbeen formed by the rolling-lever to close the apron around the bunch. Ithus provide positive means for slackening and tightening the apron.

Rolling-lever-Owin g to the desirability of having as long arolling-table as practicable, I employ a long rolling-lever 61, havingany suitable form of bunching roller and fulcru med at 62, near thebottom of the machine, and oscillated through the medium of a shorterlever 63, fulcrumed at 64, Fig. 3, having an intermediate pin 65, thatengages in the cam 66, and connected by a link 67 with therolling-lever. The shaft of the lever 61 extends through the machine,and lever 61 is duplicated on the opposite side of the machine. By thedescribed arrangement of rolling-lever the table may be made much longerand flatter than heretofore and a better rolling effect produced. Thebinder is laid upon the apron previous to the rolling action, as is wellunderstood in machines of this type.

Having thus described my invention, the following is what I claim as newtherein and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In combination with a cigar-bunch machine, having a slide formed witha matrix and means for discharging the matrix, an airsuction meanscommunicating with and causing an air-current through the matrix whenthe slide is out of its discharging position,

whereby dust is removed from the filler before being rolled;substantially as described.

2. In a cigar-bunch machine the combina tion of the base formed with anair-chamber having communication with a source of airsuctiou, amatrix-slide moving over said base,

and a perforate plate beneath said matrix, and dividing its matrix fromthe air-cham ber; substantially as set forth.

3. In combination with a cigar-bunch machine having an air-chamberprovided in its base, and with air-passages leading beneath thematrix-slide, of a valve-like matrix-slide having means to control thedirection of the air-current and cause it to pass through the matrixwhile the latteris receiving its charge, and over and around the workingparts While the matrix is in its forward position; substantially as andfor the purpose set forth.

4. In a cigar-bunch machine, the combination of the base for the feedingmechanism, formed with a suction-chamber, a plate covering saidsuction-chamber, and a matrixslide Working over said covering-plate;said covering-plate being formed with perforations beneath the innerposition of the matrix and with an opening in rear thereof, and saidmatrix-slide being recessed in its rear part and operating to cut offthe perforations and rear opening alternately to direct the air throughthe matrix and around the working parts successively, as explained.

5. In a cigar-bunch machine, a bunch-carrier, and means for operatingsaid bunch-carrier, adjustable to change the throw of the bunch-carrierrelatively to the part from which it receives the bunch; substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

6. In combination with a cigar-bunch machine, a bunch-carrierreciprocating thereon to carry the bunch from the rolling mechanism tothe point of depositing the bunch and means for adjusting the rearwardthrow of said carrier; substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. In combination with a cigar-bunch machine, a bunch-carrierreciprocating thereon, a lever connected to said carrier through themedium of a pitman, which is adjustably connected to the lever; andoscillating from a position approximately in line with the pitman whenat one limit of its throw to a position approximately at right angles tosaid pitman when at the other limit of the levers throw, for the purposeexplained.

8. In a cigar-bunch machine, the combination of a suitable frame havingarolling-table, a reciprocating bunch-carrier beneath the front end ofthe table, an operating-shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, acam 54 located on the end of said operating-shaft at the front of themachine and provided with a groove in its outer face, a bracketprojecting up in front of the lower portion of said cam, and anoperating-lever fulcrumed on said bracket and working across the face ofsaid cam, having actuating connection with the bunch-carrier andprovided with a roller or stud at an intermediate point which enters thegroove of said cam; substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In a cigar-bunch machine, the combination of a rolling table andapron, a rollingafter the tobacco has been deposited in the lever,having means foractuatingit, an apronpocket of the apron and the bightof the apron holding lex'er 22 to which the rear end of the closed bythe rolling-lever, to roll the bunch.

apron is attached, and a double cam 22 posi- NAPOLEON DU BRUL. 5 Livelyengaging said apron-holding lever in Vitnesses:

both directions moving it; forward and rear- E. F. DU BRUL,

ward, and timed to draw the apron rearward E. H. MOELLMANN.

